M'sian MP Bung Moktar Radin, 66, dies days after winning election in Sabah

Bung Moktar Radin, a Malaysian Member of Parliament from Sabah, died in the early hours of Dec. 5, 2025, after a stay in hospital for a lung infection. He was 66.

Bung Moktar served as the representative for the constituency of Kinabatangan in Malaysia's Dewan Rakyat (parliament), winning his first election in the general election of November 1999.

He was a member of Umno, in Barisan Nasional (BN), Malaysia's political coalition that has been in power for most of Malaysia's history.

Bung Moktar also concurrently served as an assemblyman in Sabah's state legislature, and won an election for this position in the recent Sabah state elections on Nov. 30, just days before his death.

The election was noted for the loss of many seats previously held by the DAP, a member party of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan coalition.

Bung Moktar's BN, which is allied with Anwar's coalition in Kuala Lumpur but not in Sabah, won six seats, including his own seat of Lamag.

Background

Bung Moktar was born in the town he would later represent in parliament in 1959, which was still a British colony at the time.

Over the years, he rose to prominence in East Malaysian politics, becoming a national figure as the leader of BN in Sabah.

He was also known for making controversial remarks both in and out of parliament, including the time he swore and used the F-word on a fellow parliamentarian.

Tributes poured in for the Sabah stalwart, including from Anwar and his deputy prime minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who mourned the loss of a "true friend" who stood by him during "tough times."

On his social media platforms, Anwar wrote:

"As an old friend, I remember him as a firm, determined and outspoken figure who fought for the interests of the people.

His services and commitment in the political arena, especially towards the people of Sabah and the country, will continue to be appreciated and etched in our memories."

Top image from Bung Moktar Radin Facebook page.